Attending local events positively impacts Rapid City’s economy by increasing tourism, boosting small businesses, creating jobs, and promoting local culture. With this year’s Downtown Pumpkin Festival having just wrapped up, along with the beginning of Autumn this past weekend, take a look at a few of the upcoming must-attend events for the remainder of the year:
Black Hills Powwow
October 6, 7, 8, 2023
Each year in October, the Black Hills Powwow takes place at The Monument, bringing together Native American dancers, singers, artisans, and visitors worldwide to celebrate and honor the traditions of the Lakota, Dakota, and Nakota people. Lasting for an entire weekend, the event includes lots of cultural immersion and experiences, such as the sights, sounds, and tastes of the traditional Powwow.
Downtown Trick-or-Treat
October 28, 2023
At the end of October, tiny ghouls and goblins invade Main Street Square for an afternoon of FREE ghostly family fun at the Downtown Trick-or-Treat event. Both children and parents are encouraged to wear costumes, bring their own trick-or-treat bags, and meet at Main Street Square, where they may pick up a map of participating Downtown businesses each year.
Mountain West Beer Fest
November 11, 2023
South Dakota’s largest beer festival, Mountain West Beer Fest, presented by Mr. Liquor: the region’s premier craft beer tasting event, is held every November at The Rushmore Hall inside The Monument. Spend the day with industry experts and sample the fares produced by craft breweries around the area. The festival features various local and regional brews to sample, upscale catering for VIP ticket holders, food trucks, and bar games to add to the excitement.
Holiday Celebration and Winter Market
November 25, 2023
Usher in the holiday season during the Holiday Celebration and Winter Market at Main Street Square at the end of each November. FREE and open to all ages, the event activities begin with a Black Hills Figure Skating Club performance. Then shop the Winter Market, which hosts a collection of local vendors and browse booths showcasing hand-crafted goods, such as custom wood carvings, ornaments, jewelry, home décor, wreaths, jams, honey, and salsas.
Festival Of Lights Parade
November 25, 2023
The Festival of Lights Parade occurs each November, where crowds gather, and children’s eyes glow with wonder. In downtown Rapid City, floats strung with thousands of lights sparkle in the trees, twinkle on the buildings, and dazzle more than 30,000 spectators. Main Street Square comes to life with holiday skaters and steaming cups of cocoa during this FREE event.
Is there another event you think should be added to our list? Let us know!